Dozens of workers have spent the night installing a 34-metre-long bridge across Newcastle Road.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said the new 44 tonne steel truss was lifted into place overnight, marking a major milestone on the project.
“This complex process was carried out in the very early hours of this morning. Crews had to use a 400 tonne all terrain crane to lift the truss into position.
“This creates the main structural part of the shared bridge path, which is the first to span Newcastle Road.
“Crews worked for 15 hours straight to ensure it was safely placed and secured before the crane could be moved out of the way and Newcastle Road reopened.”
Mr Constance said the bridge is a steel arch design and drivers will today see the main span is a red hue in colour.
“This bridge is expected to improve traffic flow on Newcastle Road once complete, as the pedestrian lights just west of the ramp will be removed when it opens to pedestrian and cycle traffic next year,” Mr Constance said.
“This $15 million NSW Government-funded project is also helping sustain 45 full time positions and providing work for 62 contractors and suppliers in these difficult times.”
The next stage of early work on the Newcastle Inner City Bypass project will include site preparation and utility relocation in New Lambton Heights.
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